Female sexual dysfunction is a well-studied adverse effect of cancer treatment. Despite its prevalence, however, it remains vastly underdiagnosed and undertreated in oncology patients, with providers inadequately addressing sexual function before, during, and after treatment. Although most patients prefer that their providers initiate conversations regarding sexual health, providers may be reticent to screen for such problems due to insufficient knowledge and expertise in the diagnosis and management of female sexual dysfunction. In this podcast episode, CANCER BUZZ speaks with Nicole Dreibelbis, certified registered nurse practitioner specializing in women’s health at UPMC Magee Cancer Center in central Pennsylvania.
“Sexual health is a part of everyone’s well-being [and] is important. I think we need to start addressing that, in survivorship and even prior, for patients to be able to get the most out of their lives. Because that’s the whole point of our treatments—to make sure that we’re giving them more life. We want that life to be as good as possible.”—Nicole Dreibelbis, CRNP, WHNP-BC
Nicole Dreibelbis, CRNP, WHNP-BC
Gynecologic Oncology Nurse Practitioner
UPMC Magee Cancer Center
Mechanicsburg, PA
Resources
Addressing the Unmet Need of Sexual Health in Oncology Patients—Oncology Issues
Fertility Preservation for Women with Cancer—Oncology Issues
Sexual Health: All of Me—CANCER BUZZ Podcast
All of Me: Bridging the Sexual Health Communication Gap in Cancer Care—Oncology Issues
Improving Fertility Preservation Discussions for Adolescent and Young Adult Male Oncology Patients—Oncology Issues
Developing a Community Oncofertility Program—Oncology Issues